The Academy of Motion Pictures to fete Sophia Loren

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences will honor the life and career of Oscar-winning Italian screen icon Sophia Loren will be celebrated at the Samuel Goldwyn Theater on May 4.

The 76-year-old Loren was the first performer to win an Oscar for a non-English speaking role. She won lead actress for Vittorio De Sica's "Two Women," which was released in the United States in 1961. De Sica also directed her to another Oscar nomination in 1964's "Marriage Italian Style," in which she appeared with frequent costar Marcello Mastroianni. She also received an honorary award in 1990 as "one of the genuine treasures of world cinema."

She came to Hollywood to make her first American film, "The Pride and the Passion" in 1957. She was unforgetable in Rob Marshall's 2009 musical "Nine."

JESSICA SIMPSON WEDDING NEWS

"It will be by the end of the year!" Jessica Simpson confidently told "Extra" about her wedding date. The singer, engaged to former NFL player Eric Johnson, said she is still working on her dress for the big day.

"I think every bride wants to design her own dress or at least have a part in it. It won't be like a Jessica Simpson Collection dress," she explained.

This has been quite an exciting time for Simpson. In addition to getting engaged, she is also featured in People's "World's Most Beautiful" annual issue and said, "I like being honored for my curves. That's what makes you special."

Simpson, who was in Denver on Thursday, took part in honoring Colorado's military families with First Lady Michelle Obama. Jessica sang at Coors Field in a special performance paying tribute to America's soldiers and revealed she was caught off guard when she was asked to sing. "When I got the call from Mrs. Obama, I was pretty shocked. It was like, did she get the wrong number?"

The songstress was joined onstage by the First Lady and in a statement, Jess told the press, "It's a huge honor for me. Just to be there and show my support and say thank you."